Our society is facing a cost-of-care crisis forced by the increase in chronic diseases, the burden of multimorbidity, and the polypharmacy complexity. We are being told the key component of our medical care is medication. We are being conditioned to look at the pill as the only solution that would help to manage our many ailments and keep us away from ER and hospitalizations. We have been told that we must pay higher prices for medications to ensure that companies continue to invest in innovations to find cures for illnesses or make improvements to existing medications with fewer side effects. Yet innovations in the field of medications don’t reach those who need them most. The cost of medication drives higher insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. This leads us to our impoverishment while investors are maximizing their profits.
The individuals are forced to make decisions between skipping a meal or buying a pill. Many in our health and social service industry attempt to piece together a patchwork of manufacturers’ discount coupons and public aid programs to pay for medications with a small percentage of individuals qualifying due to specific income requirements. This process can be stressful, time-consuming, and confusing.
Each of us needs to have a broader conversation with our doctors, each other about
- How do you as an individual define health?
- What do you need as an individual to stay healthy?
- How do you as an individual become ill with ailments?
- What is your understanding of how your body works?
- What nutrients does it need to perform at its peak ability?
- What role medication should play in your health?
- What is reasonable to pay for medications without becoming impoverished by them?
As we are asking these questions all of us should look at our patterns of behavior when it comes to:
- The food selection at the local supermarket, delis
- Food costs and our ability to afford it
- Eating patterns
- Physical activity
There is also a need to expand transparency and accountability to lower costs on medications without gimmicks of coupons, and government aid.
In the absence of open discussions on health, costs, and the continuing push by lobbyists to keep high prices and keep the government away from the negotiating table, we as individuals continue to struggle with access to medications. Here is a framework on how to think about prices, how to access valuable information, and be equipped with specific next steps to take action.
Understandyourinsurance’sprescriptionbenefitplan
- Ask the pharmacist to print out your list of medications: Brand vs Generic
- Contact your health insurance to discuss costs, coverage, and options like mail-order pharmacy vs local pharmacy in the community
Findfinancialprogramsthathelppayformedicationorinsurancepremiums,co-pays, and deductibles.
- https://www.benefitscheckup.org/find-my-benefits/ There are over 2,500 benefit programs including medication assistance available nationwide. Find out what benefits may be available in your area
- https://mat.org/ PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) is a search engine designed to help patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers learn more about the resources available through the various biopharmaceutical industry programs
Comparepricesonmedications
- https://costplusdrugs.com/ – Review the prices between what you are paying when using your insurance at a typical pharmacy to the price available on the website. Medications are at the lowest possible prices.
Incorporatediscussionwithnutritionistorhealthcoachordoctoronfood, vitamins,andtheireffectsonyourbodyfunctioning
- Health Coach Service – https://www.guide2care.org/service-page/health-coaching?referral=service_list_widget
